In Memory of Richard Mallory
It was the fall of 2006. I was newly retired and we were about to experience our first "workamper" job at King's Dominion Amusement Park near Richmond, Virginia. We really had no idea what to expect. What we did not expect is that we would meet a fellow that would enrich our lives and become a treasured friend.
Richard Mallory was that fellow... He's the big guy in the red cap - I think he was always wearing that red cap that fall. We took many road trips together and as we visited Civil War sites, it was Richard that helped us see the southern perspective.
We fished... didn't catch but we fished together.
And at the wine tasting when he wasn't going to drink any, Debbie ended up sharing much of the time.
Being a Texas boy, he had enjoyed that fair many times, but said we measured up.
Richard was right at home. When we first met them, they lived in Louisiana, but Richard was a Texan at heart!
And he was a patriot. Richard was retired Air Force; liked to tell us he had been retired longer than he served. But he (and Debbie) served in their retirement as well. As members of a role playing group, they helped to train military men and women before they were deployed to Iraq. He was proud of his country and his service.
But it was always very obvious that his one and only true love was Debbie! He looked at her with admiration and love and he loved with a heart that was as big as he was tall.
Richard Mallory was that fellow... He's the big guy in the red cap - I think he was always wearing that red cap that fall. We took many road trips together and as we visited Civil War sites, it was Richard that helped us see the southern perspective.
The next year, they joined us at the Great Minnesota Get Together - The State Fair. The turkey legs were a big hit with Richard.
We visited Texas Hill Country one year and they joined us on many side trips. Here they are at LBJ Texas White House.
Richard was right at home. When we first met them, they lived in Louisiana, but Richard was a Texan at heart!
Over the years, Mike and Richard had many heart to heart conversations on topics ranging from medical issues to fishing to religion. Richard was a good conversationalist.
And he enjoyed reading my blog when we were not together;
many times I would get a note telling me to do an update.
And he was a patriot. Richard was retired Air Force; liked to tell us he had been retired longer than he served. But he (and Debbie) served in their retirement as well. As members of a role playing group, they helped to train military men and women before they were deployed to Iraq. He was proud of his country and his service.
Last November we spent about a week with them. Richard had acquired a couple of new loves.
But it was always very obvious that his one and only true love was Debbie! He looked at her with admiration and love and he loved with a heart that was as big as he was tall.
We will miss Richard. We will miss his competitive card playing, his smile,
his joy for living, and his friendship.
Rest in Peace, Richard.
Life Was Good!
posted by jf and me | 1:37 PM
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